Dealing with the aftermath of any disaster that has affected your property can be a traumatic situation filled with uncertainty and stress. Paul Davis offers the following tips and information that will help the recovery process go smoother.

Contact Paul Davis for all your property damage needs. (847) 362-6777

    • Obviously, it is always important to make sure you and your family (and don’t forget your pets) are secure and that you contact your friends and relatives to let them know you are all safe.
    • Report the damage to your insurance company as soon as possible.
    • Keep a listing of any household goods or personal belongings you have thrown out and receipts for any expenses you incur in protecting your property.
    • Are you sure your house is safe? Depending on the extent of the damage, you may need to relocate temporarily until the repairs and cleanup are finished. (Notify your insurance company if this is the case.)

Water Damage Tips
You’ve suffered a water loss. While you are waiting for help to arrive, listed below are some tips to help deal with the damage:

      • Be Safe: Water events can present several potential safety hazards to occupants. The potential for electric shock and slips and falls are very real. Remember, items soaked with water can be very heavy. Only complete tasks that can be done safely.
      • Water Source: It is very important to turn off the water. For most, the main shut-off valve is located either in your garage or utility room, or outside, next to the water meter.
      • Electrical: Turn off the power to affected areas of the house. Never operate the TV or other electrical appliances while standing on wet flooring.
      • Air Conditioning: Turn on your air conditioner to assist drying during the summer or in more humid regions.
      • Floors: Remove as much standing water as possible, using towels or a mop. (Do not use a vacuum cleaner.)
      • Carpeting: Blot wet carpeting with clean, white towels. Remove all colored rugs or Oriental rugs from wet wall-to-wall carpet.
      • Clothing/Fabrics: Transfer wet items to a dry area. Don’t allow draperies to remain in contact with wet carpeting or floors.
      • Furniture: Move lighter pieces away from the carpeting. Place plastic bags or plastic wrap under the legs of larger furniture. Wipe any extra water off of the furniture.

Fire Damage Tips
You’ve suffered a fire loss. While you are waiting for Paul Davis to arrive, below are some tips to help handle with the situation:

      • Be Safe: You should never reenter affected areas of the home until fire officials have deemed the home completely safe. Even after the fire is out, there are potential safety hazards to be aware of. The potential for slips and falls from the water used to diffuse the fire, and scrapes and cuts from exposed, sharp edges are very real. Only perform tasks that can be done safely.
      • Going Back Inside: The aftermath of fire damage can be measured down to microscopic levels. Even for a small amount of time, entry by a person can create extra damage. Enter ONLY if emergency personnel have cleared the property and deemed it safe to enter and only if absolutely necessary.
      • Appliances/Electronics: Do not use any stereo, TV or other electrical appliances until they have been inspected by a technician. If the electricity is turned off, empty your refrigerator/freezer completely and prop the doors open with a rolled towel.
      • Carpets: Avoid walking on carpet when possible. Do not use “DIY” home carpet cleaners.
      • Ceilings/Walls: Do not attempt to wash or wipe ceilings and other absorbent surfaces.
      • Doors: Shut all doors in affected areas to limit smoke odors as much as possible.
      • Food Items: Do not eat food exposed to smoke or any canned goods that have been subjected to excessive heat.
      • Furnace: Change the air conditioner or furnace filter if the blower is operating. Tape two pieces of cheesecloth over air registers with masking tape.
      • Pets: Transfer all pets to a clean environment until your house has been fully cleaned and restored.
      • Plants: Rinse plants with mild soap and water, cleaning both sides of the leaves.
      • Windows: If possible, open windows to ventilate.

If your business or home is damaged by water, fire, mold, storm or other disaster, Call Paul!